It’s Not Too Late in Hospitality

By Daniel Zolinski | October 11, 2024

Can you believe it’s October already? Nothing is more frustrating than looking back on the year and wishing you could have done more. This sparked one big idea in my head: We are at the beginning of a personal branding gold rush. Think about one or two people that you follow on social media. Why do you follow them? What do you like about their content? Is it consistent? You may be thinking you’re behind on starting a personal brand to grow yourself and your hospitality company, but I’m here to remind you that you aren’t. You’re the only person that can be you and you can share your unique self, talents, and skills to the marketplace. If you’re eager to grow your personal brand from scratch, here are the 7 pieces of advice I would give to you that I’ve learned from some of the biggest creators out there:

1. Start Today

The best time to start your personal brand was yesterday, the second-best time is today, and the worst time is tomorrow. For example, only 1% of LinkedIn users post consistently. Your potential on that platform is limitless and the competition is slim. Start today.

2. Your Personal Brand is Your Authentic Expression

Your personal brand isn’t cringe. It’s simply how you show up in the world. The more you post content of yourself, your knowledge, your skillset, and the lessons you’ve learned, the larger the audience you will garner.

3. Solve Real Problems for Real People

The most meaningful businesses start with empathy. Your personal brand in hospitality should center around these three actions:

• Listen to understand, not to sell.
• Create solutions that genuinely help.
• Always be learning from those you serve.

In turn you will sell more, have the solutions to problems you come across, and be much wiser in the future.

4. Sales are Service

When you truly believe in what you sell, selling becomes an act of service. Focus on what and who you can help, rather than what you can gain. Being your authentic self with pure intentions will never steer you wrong.

5. Play the Infinite Content Game

The content game is a marathon. The moment you stop posting is the moment you lose. All you must do is continually post content until you win. Find the platform that excites you the most, create content that you’re passionate about, and watch the growth happen.

6. Sell Before You Build

Many people waste months building a product or creating a service that nobody wants. Sell before you feel ready. If you find that no one is interested the first time around, then perfect. You can quickly adjust. Keep selling until you hit the jackpot and double down on that product or service to make it the best on the market.

7. Build Digital Assets

Build digital assets like courses, lead magnets, or email funnels. All of these can be set up so you can receive recurring revenue while you continue building your hospitality empire.

The hospitality industry is hungry for you to share yourself with them. If you want to have a greater impact on the industry, start today.